The youth, who is charged with several counts of theft and the possession and handling of stolen property, said he had been returning from visiting relative in the midlands. His uncle was driving at the time. Sergeant Ronan Mooney also gave evidence of being unable to contact the youth on his mobile phone on several occasions.

It was also a condition of bail that he be contactable by phone.

Judge Kevin Kilrane said two months ago the youth, who said he was getting married next year, had denied being in a taxi at 5am.

"The problem is I don't believe you," the Judge told the defendant.

Judge Kilrane said he couldn't expect the Gardai to be policing the curfew all of the time.

He believed it wasn't the youth's first time to breach the curfew.

The Judge recalled that the youth's mother had complained at a previous court of the Gardai calling and "wrecking the house" when checking to see if he was at home.

Judge Kilrane told the defendant he was very close to being remanded in custody to St. Patrick's Institution.

The case was adjourned to February 21st for DPP directions and the youth was remanded on continuing bail.